Becks announces intention to own MLS side in Miami

Wellington, Feb 6: English football legend David Beckham has reportedly announced that he is exercising his option to become the owner of a Major League Soccer (MLS) team in Miami.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, who also played for the Los Angeles Galaxy, retired as a player last May and holds a 25 million-dollar option in his MLS contract to start a new franchise.

According to Stuff.co.nz, Beckham said that it is a dream for him to own a MLS franchise in Miami, while MLS Commissioner Don Garber hailed Beckham’s decision as a ‘historic day for soccer in America’.

Beckham, who is already in discussions with Miami-Dade county to possibly lease county-owned land for a 25,000-seat stadium, further said that although there would be a few bumps along the way, but they are going to make the team in Miami into an international side.

Beckham also said that he has seen the atmosphere around the city and the passion of the people for sport, referring to scenes he witnessed last year when the city’s basketball team, the Miami Heat, captured the National Basketball Association (NBA) championship.

However, the report mentioned that a final deal to grant the franchise to Beckham’s investment group could be several months away with sources revealing that with a stadium location and financing still requiring approval from the MLS board for his team to become the 22nd club of the top US professional league.

Officials said that Beckham’s investment group has narrowed its stadium search to five possible sites in and around downtown Miami, potentially putting the new team at the forefront of Miami’s tourism landscape. (ANI)